The East Paulding Raiders are not only undefeated but they have had four shutouts this season.

A key player in the success of this football team is Miles Hemphill.

The senior placekicker has been “such a big weapon,” according to head football coach Chuck Goddard.

With this being Goddard’s first season with the Raiders, he has been truly impressed with Hemphill’s performance.

“Every kickoff but one has been in the end zone,” Goddard said last week.

That’s 20 of 21 kickoffs that have forced their opponents to start at their own 20-yard line through Friday’s game against Villa Rica — preventing the other teams from making any kickoff returns for touchdowns against East Paulding.

Hemphill had made every extra point for the Raiders as well as all three of his attempted field goals, averaging 35 yards through the New Manchester game Sept. 21.

In a 47-0 victory over New Manchester, Hemphill kicked two field goals, made five extra points and had seven touchbacks.

Hemphill’s leg apparently has gotten stronger over the past year as last season less than 70 percent of his kickoffs were touchbacks.

Not only is Hemphill an asset to the team on the field for points, but Goddard said he is also a great teammate and person.

“He’s one of those guys that everyone likes. He’s very personable, always smiling and just an all-around good kid,” Goddard said.

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